Open Areas and Open Spaces

Within this VDS "Open spaces" are sporting and recreational areas, while "Open areas" are defined as the large tracts of forest and farmland
with associated hedgerows and tree lines. Both are important because they provide memorable views as well as a sense of peace and tranquility.
Micheldever is richly endowed with such landscape features, both within the villages and hamlets and between settlements. They are a vital
feature of the rural environment that serves to create this special identity.

Open spaces

Each of the larger villages has recreational open space that it is important to retain.

In Micheldever the open space includes an impressive approach to the village along Cowdown with its wide grass verges and avenue of
beech trees. The allotments that adjoin the cricket field are a part of the open space pattern and the Lord Rank Playing Field
in Duke Street is an important and very well used open space. The play area was refurbished in 2008 as a result of the parish
Councilís commitment to our young people.

At Micheldever Station the Warren Playing Field provides about a hectare of recreational open space, and there is a recreational
grassed area in the centre of the Brunei Close development.

In East Stratton recreational open space is limited. The "green" opposite the pub, is a valued area of community space and is used
for the village fete. The small grass area behind the village hall is also important for community use.

Open areas

The farmland and woodland surrounding Micheldever is rich in flora and fauna. Most of the area is chalk downland supporting a vast array of
wild flowers with their attendant insects, butterflies and birds. The uncultivated borders of tracks are particularly noteworthy for their
cowslips, primrose, scabious, knapweed, agrimony, lady's bedstraw, campion, marjoram, and many other wild flowers and herbs. During the past
25 years local farmers have undertaken small-scale planting of deciduous trees, some of which, in the winter, provide berries for wildlife.
In spring many woodlands sport an extensive carpet of bluebells, following the glorious display of snowdrops and cowslips that are a feature
of the three local churchyards and many roadside verges. Farm hedges, consisting mainly of hawthorn, field maple, blackthorn, spindle and
hazel, are generally well maintained. Bird life includes lapwing, red-legged partridge, pheasant, yellowhammer, sparrow hawk, buzzard and
skylark. It is thought that some of these may be diminishing in numbers, possibly due to more intensive farming practices, but the rare
stone curlew returns to breed in selected areas each spring. Small mammals are also widespread, with foxes, badgers and deer present in
different locations throughout the parish.

The extensive open farmland and natural woodland that is evident throughout the parish contains numerous bridleways and footpaths linking
and surrounding the villages. Some paths are long and straight, such as Coffin Walk linking East Stratton to Micheldever, and these give a
tunnelling effect when bounded by hedges or woods.

Others traverse open ground and give stunning landscape views. From the higher ground around Micheldever Station, for example, Cheesefoot
Head and the hilly ridge to the south of Winchester can be seen, while from Weston Clump on the northern boundary of the parish the downs
on the Isle of Wight can be seen on a clear day. Looking north from Micheldever, Coxford Down forms the horizon three miles away, and from
rising ground above Northbrook there is an outstanding view north-east to Black Wood and east towards the Strattons. The view to the west from
Borough Arch, along the Dever Valley to Stoke Charity and Hunton is also worthy of mention.

The Dever River Valley

The River Dever, with its natural wildlife ponds, runs from West Stratton through Micheldever and Weston Colley to join the River Test at
Wherewell. It supports a variety of water fowl and other birds, including swan, geese, kingfisher and heron, all of which are seen in places
along the river from West Stratton to Weston Colley. Trout, sometimes 10" or more in length, are also commonly seen.

The Stratton Woodlands

The Stratton Woodlands comprise extensive tracts of forest. Micheldever Forest (359 hectares) and Black Wood (276 hectares) are ancient
semi-natural woodlands (ASNW's) that have been in existence since before 1600. Embley Wood (30 hectares) and Rownest Wood (23 hectares) are
also part of the Woodlands that are owned and managed by Forest Enterprise, who recognise the social and environmental issues associated with
their management. A large part of this area, particularly within Micheldever Forest is of considerable archaeological interest and has been
designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM 588). Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council, working in partnership with Forest
Enterprise, have created an archaeological trail (that contains the site of a Roman settlement) in Micheldever Forest. Over a period of time
the restoration of the woodlands as ancient semi-natural woodlands and PAWS (plantation on an ancient woodland site) is part of the management
strategy. Black Wood consists of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees providing ample tracks and rides for recreation. It is flanked on the
west by an old drover's track providing a fascinating walk with woodland on one side and wide-open areas on the other, with long views
northwards and westwards. In addition to the forestry plantations many copses and trees are dotted around the landscape, while the
well-wooded railway embankment is an impressive sight at various points on its route through the parish.

(Character studies for the Dever River Valley and the Stratton Woodlands, which give greater detail about these important landscape features,
are reproduced in Appendix A, with the kind permission of Winchester City Council).

DESIGN GUIDANCE NOTES

OA1

footpaths and bridleways should be kept open to the public and maintained in good repair

OA2

proposals to provide additional footpaths and bridleways should be encouraged

OA3

planting of native tree species should be undertaken to create windbreaks and wildlife habitats

OA4

conservation strips around the perimeter of fields and open spaces should be created and maintained

OA5

the open areas that exist within, and surround, the settlements should be maintained for the enjoyment of
future generations

OA6

the River Dever valley should be conserved as a wetland habitat and maintained as part of the strolling
route around the villages

OA7

the recreational open spaces that exist are invaluable to the settlements and should be maintained and
enhanced to provide additional sporting and recreational activities

OA8

the conservation of the open landscape character to the west of the ancient drover's track, that borders
the edge of Black Wood is important. Large areas of tree planting or the placing of buildings or structures in this open land
should be avoided